Address at the International Conference on Water - the Lifeblood of Mankind

"The link between water and socio-economic development is self evident. Sustainable socio-economic development is not possible without adequate development of water resources to support food production, industry, the environment and other human needs. In Africa where a large part of its population lives in tropical and subtropical climate, it is absolutely fundamental that the role of water as an engine for development be properly understood by our people and leaders." - Dr. Salim, December 11, 2002